Cheek (Dimple) Piercing
Cheek piercings, also called dimple piercings, pass through the cheek into the inner mouth to mimic a natural dimple. They're typically done in pairs for a bold, playful look, though a single side is available too. We pierce with a 14 gauge internally threaded titanium flatback, and our SK Certified piercing specialists will map the placement with you. Photo ID is required.
- Pain level
- 6 to 7 / 10
- Method
- Needle
- Minimum age:
- 18 years
- Jewellery type:
- Internally threaded flatback post View jewellery options
- Downsizing:
- 2 weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
* Available: From 18 years+. Photo ID required. Check our ID & consent requirements here.
What Is A Cheek (Dimple) Piercing?
A cheek, or dimple, piercing passes through the cheek and into the inner mouth, positioned to mimic the look of a natural dimple. It's typically performed in pairs, though a single side is also available.
Because it passes through a larger area of tissue than most facial piercings, extra care and consultation time goes into planning the placement. This piercing is available from 18 years only, with photo ID required. See our age and consent requirements before you book.
What To Expect
Here's how your experience at SkinKandy unfolds from the moment you arrive.
How We Pierce
We pierce every cheek with a single-use hollow needle, never a piercing gun. Our SK Certified piercing specialists are nurse-trained and certified in infection prevention, so you're looked after from consultation through to aftercare advice. Read more about our approach on our piercing info page.
Choosing Your Jewellery
Every cheek piercing is pierced with a 14 gauge internally threaded titanium flatback, finished with a simple ball or premium gem top. Browse our flatback jewellery collection to see what's available.
Step By Step: Your Cheek (Dimple) Piercing Experience
- Your piercing specialist will mark the placement on one or both cheeks with you.
- We pierce with a single-use sterile needle through the cheek into the inner mouth.
- A 14 gauge internally threaded titanium flatback is fitted with your chosen top.
- You'll get full aftercare guidance before you leave, with a strong focus on oral hygiene.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Find Your Nearest Studio
Remember to bring valid photo ID to your appointment. Check our age and consent requirements before your visit.
Nearest studios
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Aftercare
Healing takes real patience for a cheek piercing, since it passes through a larger area of tissue than most facial placements.
Your Daily Routine
Stick to a simple daily routine and stock up on the right products from our aftercare collection. For the full step by step, read our aftercare guide.
- Clean with sterile saline twice daily, especially after eating.
- Avoid swimming for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Be mindful of smoking, alcohol, oral hygiene and skincare products.
When Can I Change My Jewellery?
Downsizing usually starts from 2 weeks, with multiple downsizes over the first few months as swelling reduces, and full healing taking a minimum of 6 months.
- Pierced
- Day one
- Downsizing:
- 2 weeks
- Fully healed:
- minimum 6 months
Jewellery For Your Cheek (Dimple) Piercing
The right flatback length makes all the difference to comfort while your cheek piercing heals, and it will change more than once as swelling settles.
Starter Jewellery
We pierce every cheek with a 14 gauge internally threaded titanium flatback in 316L surgical steel, chosen to support healing from day one.
Building Your Stack
Once you're healed, explore our full flatback jewellery collection to swap in different tops.
Not Sure What Metal Suits You?
If you're torn between finishes, our guide on silver, rose gold or gold can help, or browse everything by material to compare options.
FAQs
What is a cheek piercing?
A cheek, or dimple, piercing passes through the cheek into the inner mouth, positioned to mimic a natural dimple.
Does a cheek piercing hurt?
Most people rate it a 6 to 7 out of 10, since it passes through a larger area of cheek tissue. Pain is subjective, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee of what you'll feel. Everyone's pain tolerance is different.
What is the minimum age for a cheek piercing?
You must be 18 years or older, with valid photo ID. See our age and consent requirements for details.
How long does a cheek piercing take to heal?
Full healing takes a minimum of 6 months. See the average healing time by piercing type for how it compares.
What jewellery is used for a cheek piercing?
We pierce with a 14 gauge internally threaded titanium flatback, finished with a simple ball or premium gem top.
Do I need multiple downsizes for a cheek piercing?
Yes, downsizing usually starts from 2 weeks with several more downsizes over the first few months as swelling reduces.
Can I get just one cheek pierced?
Yes, a single cheek piercing is available from $95, or both together from $140.
Is a cheek piercing part of the two piercings from $80 deal?
This piercing isn't part of our two piercings from $80 deal. It's priced individually from $95, with a $140 option for both cheeks together, reflecting the extra care and consultation this placement takes.
Explore More Statement Piercings
A cheek piercing pairs well with a Dahlia for a similarly bold, editorial statement. Check our piercing info page for more, or explore below.